Top-Ranked Georgia eeks out 13-12 Victory
LEXINGTON – September 14, 2024 – Matthew Hudson
Even after the disappointing and somewhat embarrassing 31-6 loss to South Carolina in Week 2, Big Blue Nation showed up in force to watch their Wildcats take on the #1 Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Stadium. This was the SEC opener for the Georgia Bulldogs who currently have 27 consecutive SEC regular season wins and 41 consecutive regular season wins. The last time UK was able to beat the #1 Ranked team in the country was back in 2007 when they pulled off the upset in triple overtime against the eventual National Champions the LSU Tigers.
What will be remembered as one of the biggest what-if games in recent history for the Kentucky Wildcats they came up just short against the #1 team in the nation. The Cats held the lead for the majority of the game but after the lone TD in 4th Quarter gave the Bulldogs the 13-9 lead they were unable to come back. The Cats had a great game running and showed that they do in fact have one of the best defenses in not only the SEC but in the nation.
1st Quarter
Huge plays by the Wildcat defense were the story of the 1st Quarter as they held the Georgia Offense to just 32 yards of total offense.
UK was the first to strike as they capitalized on the great field position provided to them by the defense. Alex Raynor connected on a 55-yard FG giving the Cats the 3-0 lead with 2:45 left to go in the 1st. Raynor also got himself into the UK record books with the kick, 55 yards is the longest field goal ever made by a Wildcat.
2nd Quarter
Zion Childress almost broke the game wide open as he intercepted a pass and returned it 55-yards for a TD. The play was overturned, and the Bulldogs were able to punt on 4th Down.
Penalties played a big role in the 2nd Quarter as the numerous Personal foul calls against the Bulldogs allowed Kentucky to sustain drives and flip the field.
A big fumble by Brock Vandagriff deep in his own territory was recovered by the Bulldogs. This gave Georgia their best starting position of the game, starting at the UK 23 yard-line.
A 34-yard FG by Peyton Woodring tied the game up 3-3 with 3:48 left to play in the 1st Half.
Raynor was able to connect on the 32-yard FG to give the lead back to the Wildcats with only 5 seconds remaining before the half.
3rd Quarter
Alex Raynor kept his hot streak going as he connected on his 3rd FG of the game. This time from 40 yards out, giving Kentucky the 9-3 lead with 9:03 left in the 3rd.
The Bulldogs were able to answer as they cap off an 11 play 63-yard drive with a 30-yard FG by Woodring. Georgia cut the lead to 3 with 3:52 remaining in the 3rd quarter.
4th Quarter
Finally, someone was able to get into the endzone. Unfortunately for the Wildcats it was Branson Robinson of the Georgia Bulldogs. Robinson was able to finish off a long 10 play 68-yard drive with the 3-yard TD run. Georgia with their first lead of the game 13-9 with 12:20 left in the 4th.
Raynor completed another 50+ yard FG to make him 4/4 on the day. This time from 52 yards out and helped the Wildcats cut the lead to just 1. Georgia up 13-12 with just 8:01 left in the game.
Brock Vandagriff had another lack luster game as he completed just 14-27 of his passes for 114 yards. He did have some big runs to keep drives alive but also had the costly fumble deep in their own territory.
The Wildcats did a great job of reestablishing themselves as one of the best rushing teams in the nation. Amassing 170 yards on the ground against what is widely believed to be the best defense in the nation. Demie Sumo-Karngbaye led the way for the Cats with 22 carries and 98 yards.
The defenses were the All-Stars on both sides tonight as only 25 points were surrendered in the game and only 1 TD for the entire game. Zion Childress was the defensive leader of the game, establishing himself early and making huge plays throughout the game.
While it was a hard loss to swallow for the Kentucky Wildcats it did breathe some life back into the team and give some hope to an otherwise very discouraged fanbase. With a lot of great moments and learning experiences for both sides of the ball.
Next week the Wildcats will welcome the Ohio Bobcats from the MAC to town and look to get back into the winning column. The game will be at 12:45 PM on the SEC Network.